Mother's Day

Growing up Mother’s Day was one of those days where none of my grandmother’s children and grandchildren could miss. As a child, we spent Mother’s Day attending my grandmother’s church, having lunch with her (along with the rest of the very large extended family), and the remainder of the day. After all, it was a day for her. Somehow this reaffirmed to my grandmother we all did indeed love her.

It is completely different for me. Actually, Mother’s Day has never carried the same tradition as my grandmother. From caring for sick children to spending the entire day in the hospital due to a car accident while pregnant with baby number two or to being completely forgotten, mine have been more not so much about the mother. Not a big deal, after all they are only kids. Do I really want the doting my grandmother received?

Today however was different. My children, teenagers, planned the entire meal and cooked and cleaned up. Each had a part including Rebecca who hates to cook and surprised us with trying a new dish. It was all under control. They gave me homemade cards, flowers, and a gift card to Starbucks, YES! John decided to put his personal twist on the day.

First he sang in ebonics (African American Vernacular English)

Happy Mother’s Day to you
Happy Mother’s Day to you
Happy Mother’s Day to who else, my mama!
Happy Mother’s Day to you

And if that was not enough, he wrote a poem and read it to me! (He has decided poetry is like hip hop and rap)

"Mom"
By John
A Mom who loves
And one that gives hugs
The dove in the sky
Twinkles within your eye
So on your special day
I have two things to say
I will love you to the grave
Happy Mother’s Day
Money we try to save
Love we like to repay

I know it may seem like you get zero recognition for all the hard work you do for your kids and the sacrifices you make for them, but there will come a day when they are teenagers and if you are blessed they may cook lunch, do the dishes, give you flowers, sing a song, and write a poemfor you! Enjoy the moments you have with your kids. They go by too quickly!